About Li
Liyana (Li) Sulaiman is a technology leader exploring how systems thinking, AI, and product architecture shape modern technology organizations.
Her work focuses on the evolving role of the CTO in environments where technology, data, and human decision-making interact as complex systems. Through writing, mentoring, and advisory work, she helps founders and technology leaders think through product strategy, technology direction, and organizational design.
Li writes the Cognitive CTO series, which examines how technology leaders design the thinking behind the systems they build. The series explores topics such as decision architecture, AI-native organizations, and the changing nature of technology leadership.
She has worked across startups and technology organizations in roles spanning product, engineering, and technology strategy, helping teams translate product vision into scalable systems.
Earlier in her life, Li was a figure skater, 3-star kayaker and a Chief’s Commissioner’s awarded uniformed group sergeant who led a 200+ platoon of youths across zonal and national level — an experience that continues to influence her perspective on discipline, learning, and navigating complex systems over time.
Li is also part of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community, a network of young leaders recognized by the World Economic Forum.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn:
